Every fall, during the last decade of my teaching career, I offered my college students a two point bonus option about two weeks prior to every election -- local, state, and national. College students just love bonus points, and many would sell their parents into slavery for any chance to raise their grade without additional studying, so as you can imagine, interest was immediately piqued. "What do we need to do for the bonus points?" Well, I responded, all you need to do is show me your voter's registration card as you leave class today and those two extra points are yours. Guaranteed!
Their response has always been truly educational. Less than 10% have been able to produce the card that most members of my generation carry in their wallets or purses. AND, it has been extremely common to hear someone say: "What is a voter's registration card?"
And yet, they wonder why politicians just don't seem to pay attention to their issues and opinions! Sad but true. As an addendum, let me add that I do NOT blame my students. I blame their parents!
When I was just a child my father began taking me into the voting booth with him each time he went to the polls. And not one poll worker ever objected. In fact, most complimented him on his actions.
Food for thought - eh?
====
